Moray Council Launches Public Consultation on Updated Climate Change Strategy

MORAY COUNCIL IS INVITING RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND ORGANISATIONS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON ITS UPDATED CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY, WHICH SETS OUT HOW THE COUNCIL PLANS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE AND REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

The draft strategy, covering the period 2025 to 2035, outlines how the Council will work towards becoming net zero by 2045, in line with national targets. It includes actions to reduce emissions from buildings, transport and waste, and to help Moray adapt to the impacts of climate change such as flooding, heatwaves and coastal erosion.

Key points from the strategy include:

• Emissions down by 41% since 2017 – thanks to improvements in waste disposal and energy use.
• New carbon budgets – setting five-year targets to help track progress and stay on course for net zero.
• Challenges ahead – reducing emissions from heating and transport will require more funding and new technologies.
• Adaptation plans – the Council has produced its first Local Climate Impact Profile to understand how extreme weather is already affecting services.
• Sustainable development – the strategy aims to embed climate and nature considerations into all Council decisions and service plans.
• Community involvement – the Council is working with local groups to develop a Moray-wide climate strategy and support greener communities.

The draft strategy is now available for public consultation on Moray Engage, the Council’s digital engagement platform. The consultation will run for 12 weeks, and feedback will help shape the final version of the strategy.

Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Climate change affects us all, and we all have a role to play to protect our communities, economy and environment. A key corporate priority for this council is to build thriving, resilient, empowered communities and tackling climate change is a crucial challenge to overcome in achieving that.

“This updated strategy sets out how Moray Council will play its part in the ever-changing climate landscape, but we want to hear from you. Your views will help us make sure our plans are ambitious, achievable and reflect local priorities.”

Moray Council’s Climate Champion, Cllr Draeyk Van Der Hørn, added: “"This strategy is about taking real, meaningful action to shape how we live, work, and plan for the future in Moray. We’re already experiencing the growing impacts of climate breakdown, from wildfires and rising sea levels to more frequent storms and flooding. These changes are hitting our most vulnerable residents the hardest, threatening our health, wellbeing, and adding pressure to an already worsening cost of living crisis.

“This consultation is a vital opportunity for people across Moray to influence the decisions that will protect our communities and our environment. Every voice matters, and we need to hear yours."

To take part in the consultation, which is open until Thursday 4 January, visit Moray Engage or contact ClimateChange@moray.gov.uk.